A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe, police have said.
The suspect, who is a white British national, was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot this afternoon and remains in police custody.
Detectives launched a murder investigation into the 78-year-old’s death after she was found with serious injuries at her home.
Her death is not being treated as a terrorist incident, and police do not believe it was politically motivated.
Devon and Cornwall police assistant chief constable Matt Longman said the inquiry into the “tragic incident” was in its early stages, but moving at a “significant pace”.
His force does not believe there is an ongoing risk to the public and urged anyone with information to come forward.
The former Tory minister’s body was discovered after police were called to the home at 11.40am on Thursday.
Throughout her political career, Miss Widdecombe was a prominent Eurosceptic and supported the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 Brexit referendum.
She became a member of the Brexit Party from 2019 and served as an MEP representing South West England in Brussels between 2019 and 2020 before joining Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in 2023.
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Key Points
- Breaking: Man, 26, arrested on suspicion of murder of Widdecombe
- Widdecombe's death not being treated as terrorist incident
- Starmer calls for politicians to 'rise above differences' amid police probe
- Neighbour heard gardener working at Widdecombe's house before police arrived
- Detectives open murder probe into Ann Widdecombe's death
- Ann Widdecombe sustained 'serious injuries' before death
Piers Morgan condemns 'horrendous way' Widdecombe's life ended
20:15 , Harriette BoucherPiers Morgan has called Ann Widdecombe’s death a “horrendous way” for “a wonderful character’s life to end.”
“Ann was an absolute tour de force - opinionated, combative, fearless, principled, and highly intelligent,” he wrote on Instagram. “She loved a good argument but was great fun too. I didn’t agree with some of her views or politics, but she never demanded that I did.
“She believed free speech was the cornerstone of democracy. I interviewed her for my Life Stories biographical show, in which was she both searingly honest and wonderfully entertaining about her amazing life, we appeared together on Celebrity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire during which she regularly berated me to the audience’s delight, and we locked horns many times on Good Morning Britain and Uncensored.
“We also texted each other from time to time, most recently when we both had nasty falls and ended up in hospital around the same time. She sustained her injury rescuing a mouse from her cat. That was typical Ann… a fiery, feisty and often hilariously funny battle-axe (she’d take that description as a compliment) on air, a heart of gold off air.
“It’s just awful to think of how harrowing her last moments must have been. My deepest condolences to all Ann’s family. RIP.”
Boris Johnson said his 'sadness has turned to anger' following murder probe revelation
20:05 , Harriette BoucherBoris Johnson said his sadness has “turned to anger and bewilderment” following news of the murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe.
“We need the facts as fast as we can,” he wrote on X.
Earlier, the former prime minister said: “I am sad to hear about the loss of Ann Widdecombe, a heroic Brexiteer and a great speaker who could move Tory audiences to such ecstasy that she was a very hard act to follow.”
Widdecombe hailed as best female politician since Thatcher
19:49 , Harriette BoucherNigel Farage hailed Widdecombe as the “no doubt, the best-known female politician in Britain since Margaret Thatcher”.
“She wasn't just a politician; she was a celebrity,” the Reform leader said. “The thing about Anne is she never ever sought popularity.
“She stood up and fought for what she believed in: a devout Christian and somebody with strong, socially conservative views. Perhaps not popular in modern Britain, but that is what Anne believed in.”
Mr Farage added: “There were times over the years when she and I disagreed, and she never, ever, ever let me get away with anything.
“But our disagreements would be in private, not in public, and that was Anne, loyal.”
Ann Widdecombe murder investigation latest: The Independent reports from former MP's home town
19:42 , Harriette BoucherWatch: Ann Widdecombe's final TV interview on day before her death
19:31 , Harriette Boucher'Politicians are vilified and attacked' more than ever, says Reform MP
19:25 , Harriette BoucherPoliticians are “vilified and attacked” more than ever, a Reform MP has said.
Andrew Rosindell told BBC Radio 4: “I’ve been an MP 25 years and I’ve never known a time where politicians are vilified and attacked the way that we are.”
“All I will say is, what is this world coming to?
“I hope the government and the powers that be will make sure that there is proper protection afforded to all politicians where there is a risk.”
Police have said they do not believe that the circumstances behind Ann Widdecombe’s death were politically motivated.
Who was Ann Widecombe? Former Conservative minister and firebrand TV personality
19:18 , Political journalist Athena StavrouFormer Conservative minister turned Reform UK member and Strictly Come Dancing star Anne Widdecombe died at the age of 78 on Thursday.
Widdecombe served as an MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years, from 1987 to 2010, and was a minister of state for prisons and employment in John Major’s government.
She held the posts of shadow home secretary and shadow health secretary in opposition, and later went on to join Reform UK and become a vocal champion of Brexit.
Widdecombe stepped down from the House of Commons at the 2010 election and went on to compete on Strictly Come Dancing, where she was partnered with Anton Du Beke.
She later appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, where she finished second, in 2018.
She was also known for her socially conservative views, which included opposing the legality of abortion and widening rights for the LGBTQ+ community during her Commons career.
The statement from her agents said that her career was “driven by her strong Christian values and commitment to public service”.
Despite leaving parliament 16 years ago, she was “still actively campaigning for Reform UK” up until her death, they said.
Widdecombe returned to politics in 2019 with the Brexit Party – later renamed Reform UK – and won the southwest England seat in the European Parliament election.
She held the seat until the UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, before becoming Reform UK’s immigration and justice spokesperson from 2023 to 2026.
Widdecombe was active on the speaking circuit and wrote a column for the Daily Express for 20 years, and in 2013, she published her memoir, Strictly Ann.
Where is Newton Abbot? The town where police arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of Ann Widdecombe's murder
19:10 , Harriette BoucherPolice arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of Ann Widdecombe’s murder at an address in Newton Abbot this afternoon.
Newton Abbot is a market town and civil parish on the River Teign in the Teignbridge District of Devon.
It is around nine miles from “Widdecombe’s rest”, the ex-Tory minister’s house in Haytor, where she was found dead yesterday.
Farage 'deeply upset by nature of Widdecombe's death'
19:04 , Harriette BoucherReform UK leader Nigel Farage said he was “deeply, deeply upset” by the nature of Ann Widdecombe’s death.
In a message shared on social media, the Reform leader said: “I am deeply, deeply upset by the nature of her death. I’m pleased the police have caught somebody, a 26-year-old man.
“We don’t know what political motives are, whether they exist at all. Was it a burglary gone wrong? We just don’t know. And I’m not going to speculate at this stage. I’m pleased the police are doing their job.
“Our nation is a much, much poorer place without her. Reform UK is certainly a much worse place without her. I was expecting to see her in Clacton over the course of the next few days. Sadly, that is not going to happen.
“Rest in peace, Ann. A remarkable, principled woman, and a truly dreadful way to die, and a terrible reflection on modern Britain.
“And I do fear that for anybody in public life, or especially the political space, things have become even more dangerous to them.”
What did we learn from today's press conference?
18:50 , Harriette BoucherDevon and Cornwall Police held a press conference on the death of Ann Widdecombe’s death today, announcing that a 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of her murder.
They said the suspect was a white British national, who was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot on Friday afternoon.
Police also said Widdecombe’s death was not being treated as a terrorist incident, but counter-terrorism policing had been consulted during initial inquiries.
They do not currently believe it was politically motivated either.
After receiving a call from the ambulance service at 11.40am, police found Widdecombe dead in her home.
They said she had sustained “serious injuries”.
Her next of kin have been informed, and are being supported by specially trained officers.
The investigation is in the “early stages”, but moving at a “significant pace”.
A cordon remains in place of the property while specialist officers continue forensic examinations and gather evidence.
In pictures: Police surround 'Widdecombe's rest' as they continue to gather evidence
18:41 , Jacqui Merrington in Haytor
Polanksi pays tribute Widdecombe after 'shocking' news
18:26 , Harriette BoucherFriends say they will remember Widdecombe’s kindness
18:09 , Whitehall Correspondent Kate DevlinGawain Towler, a board member of Reform UK, told The Independent “despite her public image of ‘Doris Karloff’” - as she was once infamously dubbed - “she was a deeply kind woman”.
He recalled once, when he arrived hours early for an event with his then 12-year-old son in tow, the interest she took in the child.
“She was plain speaking,” he said, “and of course perhaps her most famous comment was about Michael Howard, that he had ‘something of the night” about him. But I will remember her as a friend and as a kind and thoughtful woman”.
Police do not believe Widdecombe death was politically-motivated
18:06 , Harriette BoucherPolice have no reason to believe that Ann Widdecombe’s death was politically-motivated.
Assistant chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police Matt Longman told a press conference: “At this time, again it’s early stages of the investigation, so we remain open-minded at this time.
“I’ve got no information to believe that that is a politically motivated crime.”
He said it was too early to comment when asked if the suspect was known to Ms Widdecombe.
“We remain open-minded throughout the investigation, and we’re making those inquiries,” said Mr Longman.
“It’s too early for me to comment further on that at this time.”
He also said her death was not being treated as a terrorist incident.
Police presence will 'remain high' as detectives gather evidence
18:02 , Harriette BoucherPolice presence will remain high in the Haytor area following the arrest of a 26-year-old man in connection with Ann Widdecombe’s death.
Devon and Cornwall police assistant chief constable Matt Longman said his force was still gathering evidence and renewed calls for CCTV footage.
He said he was not aware of any ongoing risk.
“Of course, we also want people to feel safe,” he told a press conference.
“At the moment, I don't know of any ongoing risk...We know that the presence of our officers, just to make people know we're there, be available to give advice, etc, we'll be around.
“So you can expect an increased presence throughout the weekend.”
Widdecombe death not being treated as terrorist incident
17:57 , Harriette BoucherAnn Widdecombe’s death is not being treated as a terrorist incident after a 26 year old man was arrested.
Police said counter-terrorism policing had been consulted during initial inquiries.
Devon and Cornwall police assistant chief constable Matt Longman told a press conference: “Detectives from the force major crime investigation team have launched a murder investigation, and are conducting extensive inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Ms Widdecombe’s death.
“While we work closely with our partners and consulted counter-terrorism policing as part of our initial inquiries, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
“A cordon remains in place at the property, while specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are road closures in place around the scene, and the public will see significant police activity in the area while detectives and other officers continue house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.
Breaking: Man, 26, arrested on suspicion of murder of Widdecombe
17:49 , Harriette BoucherA 26 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
The suspect is a white British national, who remains in police custody.
He was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot this afternoon.
Press conference begins
17:47 , Harriette BoucherDetectives from Devon & Cornwall Police have kicked off a press conference into their murder investigation into Ms Widdecombe’s death.
You can watch The Independent’s livestream here
Former Tory leader 'enormously proud to have known' Widdecombe
17:46 , Harriette BoucherConservative former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said he was “enormously proud to have known” Ann Widdecombe, as he paid tribute to her.
Sir Iain, the Conservative MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, told Sky News: “The day started with sad news about Ann and her death. I and others reacted to that out of sadness.
“And then, what, an hour, an hour-and-a-half, maybe two hours ago, it suddenly became apparent that this sad news is tragic news.
“We cannot say for certain this is a murder case. But what we do know is it’s a violent act, one way or the other, and that is a tragedy for all of us who were very fond of Ann, and not the right way to go at all.”
He added: “I have to say I was enormously proud to have known her. We didn’t always agree on everything, but we agreed on most things.”
Police ask for CCTV and dashcam footage
17:44 , Harriette BoucherPolice are urging anyone who has seen anything suspicious or has CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to come forward.
As they continue their manhunt following Ann Widdecombe’s death, they have asked people not to speculate about what might have happened.
Devon and Cornwall Police said: “We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage which could assist with our investigation.”
Lindsay Hoyle 'deeply stressed' to learn of murder investigation
17:40 , Harriette BoucherSir Lindsay Hoyle has said he was “deeply shocked” to learn of the murder investigation in Ann Widdecombe’s death.
The Commons speaker urged anyone with information to come forward.
He said: “I’m deeply shocked to learn of the circumstances around Ann’s death.
“The police investigation must now take its course and I hope anybody with relevant information will contact them.”
Streeting: Widdecombe's death is deeply chilling
17:38 , Harriette BoucherWatch: Kemi Badenoch stunned by 'awful news' of Ann Widdecombe's death
17:36 , Harriette BoucherNeighbour says gardener was working at Widdecombe house before police arrived
17:35 , Jacqui Merrington in HaytorOne neighbour, who did not wish to be identified, has said that Ann Widdecombe had a gardener who used to come every week on a Thursday.
She told The Independent that he arrived yesterday morning and she heard his trimmer before it stopped.
The police and ambulance arrived soon after, she added.
Another neighbour said: “She was just a sweet little old lady. She used to say hello when I cycled past her. I hated her politics but she was perfectly nice.
“She used to put Reform UK posters up around her house. But otherwise she kept herself to herself.”
'Ann gave a lifetime of public service', says Burnham
17:30 , Harriette BoucherAndy Burnham has called Ann Widdecombe’s death “incredibly distressing” as he offered his condolences to her family.
A spokeswoman for the prime minister-in-waiting said: “Andy’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann’s family today, in incredibly distressing circumstances.
“Ann gave a lifetime of public service, and it’s absolutely right that the police put all their resources into investigating this as swiftly as possible.”
Police probe into Widdecombe follows politically motivated murders of MPs David Amess and Jo Cox
17:24 , Harriette BoucherThe probe into Ann Widdecombe’s death follows the murders of MPs David Amess and Jo Cox, which have sparked widespread calls for an end to political violence.
Tory MP David Amess was stabbed to death while meeting constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on 15 October 2021.
The 69-year-old father of five was a “close friend” of Ms Widdecombe, who was the godmother to one of his children.
Sir David’s killer, Ali Harbi Ali, was found guilty of murder and handed a whole-life prison term at the Old Bailey in 2022.
Labour MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed by neo-Nazi Thomas Mair in her Batley and Spen constituency just days before the EU referendum in June 2016.
The mother-of-two died at 41 and was the sister of MP Kim Leadbeater.
The motive and circumstances behind Ms Widdecombe’s death are unclear.
Ed Davey 'shocked' and 'distressed' by murder probe
17:14 , Harriette BoucherSir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, said he was “really shocked and distressed” after police announced they launched a murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death.
Writing on social media, the Lib Dem leader said: “I’m really shocked and distressed at the news about Ann Widdecombe.
“She was a woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service. The idea that she could have been murdered is truly horrifying.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who loved her
Strictly star 'devastated' by Widdecombe death
17:12 , Harriette BoucherStrictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke has said he is “devastated” to hear that Ann Widdecombe has died.
The pair were partnered together on the BBC One dancing programme in 2010.
In a video shared on X prior to police announcing they had launched a murder investigation into her death, he said: “I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing.
“She became a real friend. She was fun. She was upbeat. She was positive. She was supportive.
“We had an incredible time together and we stayed firm friends.
“My thoughts go out to all of her nearest and dearest and all her family. This is a sad day and I’m devastated by the news of Ann’s passing but I shall remember her fondly, and miss her.”
Ann Widdecombe defends Nigel Farage in final TV interview days before death
17:11 , Harriette Boucher
Ann Widdecombe defends Nigel Farage in final TV interview days before death
Ann Widdecombe murder investigation live: Police give update after death of former MP
17:10 , Harriette BoucherDetectives from Devon & Cornwall Police are due to give a press conference where they will give more details into their murder investigation into Ms Widdecombe’s death.
You can watch The Independent’s livestream here
Watch: Keir Starmer says Ann Widdecombe murder investigation 'really shocking news'
17:09 , Harriette BoucherWiddecombe was 'close friend' of murdered MP David Amess
17:05 , Harriette BoucherAnn Widdecombe was a “close friend” of the late Sir David Amess, a former Tory MP, who was murdered in 2021 by an Islamic State supporter.
She was godmother to one of his children and said it was a “shock” when he died.
At his funeral in 2021, Widdecombe urged people to remember the murdered politician for “how he lived and the causes he fought for”.
“The death was horrible, but I don’t want David to be remembered for how he died, I want him to be remembered for how he lived and the causes he fought for,” Widdecombe said of her close friend.
The motive behind Ms Widdecombe’s death is unclear.
Labour MP 'shocked' by murder probe
17:00 , Harriette BoucherAnn Widdecombe murder investigation: Read the police statement in full
16:59 , Harriette Boucher
Ann Widdecombe murder investigation: Read the police statement in full
'Nothing ever happens here - we never lock our doors', says neighbour of Ann Widdecombe
16:53 , Jacqui Merrington in HaytorA neighbour who lived 200 yards away from Ann Widdecombe said he saw a large police presence at her house yesterday before waking up and seeing the news.
Craig Matthews, who lives with his wife and works as an estate manager in Dartmoor, said he had only met her a couple of times at the village shop.
He told The Independent that “nothing ever happens” in Haytor, and everyone leaves their doors open.
Mr Matthews said: “I thought something was up yesterday as I drove past to go to work and there were ambulances and police.
“Everyone knows Ann lives on her own. Then we woke up and saw the news. I live by the garage 2-300 yards away. She was moving in when that documentary came out.
“I've only met her a couple of times in the village shop. Everyone knew who she was but she was a bit rude I would see her driving past and say hello.
“Everyone leaves their doors open here. We never lock our doors which is going to change now. Nothing ever happens here it's so quiet here. It's the most beautiful place in the country.
“I'm an estate manager on the moor. I'm an estate manager here. I didn't agree with her politically but never wished anything like this to happen to anyone. It’s quite shocking, everyone is shock and disbelief.”
Starmer calls for politicians to 'rise above differences'
16:48 , Harriette BoucherSir Keir Starmer has said this is a moment to “rise above any political differences” after police launched a murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death.
The prime minister said he had spoken to Nigel Farage, Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch.
He had also been in touch with the chief constable and urged anyone with information to help police get the suspect into custody.
Sir Keir said: “This is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time for them.
“Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it’s a huge, huge loss.
“I’ve spoken to the chief constable this afternoon about the details and I think this is really important that this is a moment where we rise above any political differences, the political divide and say the single most important thing at the moment is that all of us and the public help the police identify the individual suspected and make sure he’s arrested as quickly as possible.
“He’s clearly dangerous, and I implore everybody who’s got any information in relation to him to help the police with their inquiries, get him into police custody.”
Police press conference delayed until 5pm
16:44 , Harriette BoucherDetectives from Devon & Cornwall Police have delayed their press conference until 5pm, according to the BBC.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman is expected to make a statement at the conference, which is taking place in Exeter, and will take questions from reporters after.
We will bring you the latest when it begins.
Former Strictly star lived alone but travelled the country to attend Reform events and ran a ‘swear box’ on an ex-politician's WhatsApp group
16:41 , Whitehall Correspondent Kate DevlinStrictly Come Dancing star Ann Widdecombe was politically active up until her death, friends said.
She would travel the country to attend events for Reform, the Nigel Farage-led party she joined after a long career in the Conservatives.
She was also a member of a WhatsApp group of ex-pro Brexit MEPs, where she ran a ‘swear box’ fining other members if their language got fruity, especially after a night out.
“And, of course, then she once swore and there was a pile on,” a friend told The Independent.
Devoted to her home on the edge of Dartmoor, in 2024 she wrote in a newspaper column “it goes without saying that I have long since given up trying to convince anybody that I really do prefer to live alone and that the last thing I want is anybody else permanently around the place.
“As for doing without sex, it is as well for the future of the world that most people want it but that doesn’t mean that those of us who don’t should be.”
Starmer 'shocked' by murder investigation
16:39 , Harriette BoucherSir Keir Starmer has said it was “really shocking news” that police have launched a murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.
Earlier, the prime minister said: “She was a distinctive figure in British politics for many years, and he pays tribute to the conviction and dedication with which she served her country.”
In pictures: Police at Widdecombe's home as murder investigation continues
16:38 , Harriette Boucher
Badenoch: ‘I don’t understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person’
16:35 , Harriette BoucherKemi Badenoch said she was “stunned” to hear about the murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death.
“I’ve been stunned to hear this awful news. I really struggle to find the words to say,” she told Sky News.
“She was 78 years old, she was an elderly woman, I don’t understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person.
“It is a nasty, horrific attack and my heart is breaking for her family.
“It’s one thing when someone dies, but to know that they’ve been murdered in this horrible way is just awful.”
Police at scene of Ann Widdecombe's home as murder investigation launched after death of former MP
16:32 , Harriette BoucherA police presence remains at Ann Widdecombe on Friday afternoon as they continue their investigation into her death.
Her home, called Widdecombe Rest, is located in the village of Haytor.
Police have told the public there will be an increased uniformed police presence in the area to “support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents.
“Anyone with concerns can speak with our officers at the scene.”
Police to hold press conference at 4.30
16:27 , Harriette BoucherDetectives from Devon & Cornwall Police are expected to hold a press conference at 4.30 where they are expected to give more details into their murder investigation into Ms Widdecombe’s death.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman will make a statement in Exeter and take questions from reporters.
Where is Haytor? The village home to Ann Widdecombe for nearly two decades
16:23 , Harriette BoucherAnn Widdecombe has lived alone at her house in Haytor since resigning as an MP for Maidstone and The Weald in 2010.
Her home, called Widdecombe Rest, is currently surrounded by police as a murder investigation into her death continues.
The Haytor village is situated on the south eastern edge of Dartmoor, and is nearby Dartmoor national park.
Hound Tor is a few miles to the west of Haytor and there are several B&Bs in the village.
The nearest shopping area is located just more than 5 miles away in Heathfield.
Circumstances of Widdecombe's death are 'extremely distressing', says Mahmood
16:10 , Harriette BoucherHome secretary Shabana Mahmood said the circumstances surrounding Ann Widdecombe’s death are “extremely distressing”.
She urged the public to avoid speculation and allow the police to investigate the incident.
Ann Widdecombe's management say they are 'devastated' by murder inquiry
16:05 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnn Widdecombe’s management are “absolutely devastated” by the news the police have launched a murder investigation into her death, they said in a statement as they urged anyone with information to contact detectives.
The statement said: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.
“We fully support the police in their investigations and we reiterate the family’s desire not to be contacted at this difficult time. We implore anyone who may have relevant information to contact Devon & Cornwall Police.”
Pictured: Ann Widdecombe's Devon home
16:02 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Police say they believe suspect is a 'white male' as they urge witnesses to come forwards
15:53 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice have urged anyone who may have any information about the circumstances surrounding Ms Widdecombe’s death to come forwards.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: "This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.
“Our murder enquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible who we believe to be a white male.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.
"We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage which could assist with our investigation.
"We have an increased uniformed police presence in the area to both support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents. Anyone with concerns can speak with our officers at the scene.
“We will release further information when we are able to do so. In the meantime I would ask people not to speculate about what might have happened, particularly on social media. This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Ann Widdecombe.”
